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Weigh smart

Air-Weigh introduced the ninth generation of its on-board weighing system at the ATA Management Conference and Exhibition this week in Orlando, FL

Oct 25, 2007

Air-Weigh introduced the ninth generation of its on-board weighing system at the ATA Management Conference and Exhibition this week in Orlando, FL. The new in-cab electronic scale, dubbed LoadMaxx, features an interface to the J1939/CAN bus, two programmable weight alarm outputs, an interface to an inclinometer and enhanced self-test diagnostics. It is currently being beta-tested by several fleets and truck OEMs, and product deliveries are schedule to begin later in 2007, according to the company.

The LoadMaxx on-board scale converts tractor and trailer suspension loads to on-the-ground weight, whether the vehicle is a straight truck, tractor-trailer combination, doubles or even triples. It is available with or without an optional Air-Weigh display device that shows steer axle weight, drive axle weight, gross weight and payload weight.

The new J1939/CAN bus interface also enables transfer of the weight data to other dash displays and on-board computers, so that it can be transmitted wirelessly to fleet headquarters as well as displayed in the cab for the driver. The programmable alarms are designed to warn the driver when an axle group weight or Gross Combination Weight (GCW) exceeds legal limits.

Available as an option, the new inclinometer is designed to turn off the Air-Weigh weight display, J1939 outputs and alarms if the system detects an incline. Weighing a vehicle while parked on an incline can result in uneven pressure on a vehicle’s suspension and affect the accuracy of the scale reading.

According to Air-Weigh, the Department of Transportation has been exploring methods for remotely reading weight information from trucks in motion to reduce the amount of damage done to highways and surface streets by overweight vehicles. Air-Weigh’s LoadMaxx technology offers a possible solution because it enables accurate remote weighing almost anywhere without the need for portable scales. In the future, the company also expects to see further integration of weight data into fleet management systems, helping streamline a number of other business functions besides regulatory compliance.